Emeka Egbuka played a significant role in Jeremiah Smith’s title-sealing grab for Ohio State. The talented wide receiver from Ohio State demonstrated his keen football intelligence during the national championship game against Notre Dame, where he identified a weakness in the opposing team’s pass defense. This insight likely contributed to Smith’s impressive 56-yard reception in the crucial moments of the game.
As Ohio State prepared for a game-defining drive, Egbuka spotted an opportunity in Notre Dame’s coverage scheme. He suggested to his teammates and coaching staff, “We need to run a go-ball on 29,” referencing defensive back Christian Gray. His observations about Gray’s positioning were critical, as he noted the inside leverage that could be exploited.
While it remains uncertain if Egbuka’s input directly influenced the call, Ohio State’s offensive coordinator Chip Kelly opted to target Gray with Smith on a decisive play. With just under three minutes left in the game and Ohio State leading 31-23, quarterback Will Howard launched a go-ball to Smith, who had managed to gain separation from Gray despite Notre Dame’s aggressive defense.
Smith successfully caught the ball and continued to advance, dragging Gray along for additional yardage, bringing Ohio State to the 10-yard line of Notre Dame. This marked a significant moment for Smith, as it was his first reception in the second half. Shortly after, Jayden Fielding secured the victory for Ohio State with a 33-yard field goal, pushing the score to 34-23.
Despite the success Ohio State had when targeting Smith throughout the season, this particular play was bold, considering the circumstances. Most teams would likely play conservatively with an eight-point lead, especially after Notre Dame had just scored 16 consecutive points, narrowing the gap.
After the game, Howard acknowledged the risk involved in the playcall while praising Kelly’s decision-making. “Man, they were running man coverage,” he stated. “I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to go let this thing loose for No. 4 and let him make a play on it.’ That was an unbelievable play, unbelievable playcall, man. It took some guts to call that. So, that was a fitting way to end it.”
Kelly also commended Howard, expressing confidence in his quarterback’s ability to execute the throw. “We were just trying to get a first down, and that was the best route,” he explained. “On third-and-11, they’re going to sit at the sticks. Maybe they don’t think you’re going to run by them. Are you really going to throw the ball 42 yards down the field?”
Ultimately, Smith’s catch was pivotal, ending the game with five receptions for 88 yards and concluding his freshman season with a total of 76 receptions for 1,315 yards. As Smith rises to prominence as one of college football’s standout receivers, Egbuka’s absence will be felt keenly at Ohio State. Egbuka leaves a legacy as the program’s all-time leader in receptions with 205 and is projected to be a first-round pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
